Flood Season Preparation Tips

While they are common, floods can be one of the most damaging types of natural disasters. Due to the significant number of sources, they can happen anywhere throughout the U.S particularly after the following:

Thawing snow

Floods can be caused from a number of sources, including heavy rain.

Hurricane

Monsoon

Several days of rain

Preparing for Flood Season

Flooding can occur at any time, but spring is the most common season due to frequent showers and melting snow. Preventing a flood from occurring is just about impossible, but limiting the damage it causes to your building materials and belongings is something you can control.

As long as the flood has not occurred already, follow these steps to prevent as much damage as possible during an emergency:

Consider adding flood insurance to your homeowners insurance plan.

Watch for flood warnings and alerts on your phone, TV, or radio.

Be aware of the risk of flooding in your area.

Follow as many of these preparation tips to limit as much damage as possible during flood season.

Create and memorize a flood evacuation plan that includes all pets.

Create a flood preparation kit that includes at least 3 days of food and water, batteries, a flashlight, first aid kit, and cash.

Flash Flooding

Flash floods are nothing to be taken lightly. They can occur within seconds from growing water levels in a river, stream, or ditch. Be sure to stay alert and follow the steps below as soon as you receive a flash flood warning.

Getting Help After a Flood

If you have already suffered through a flood, never panic. Here are 10 tips on what to do after sustaining flood damage. But the most important step is to call a flood cleanup professional to have your property restored right away. If not, the water can spread throughout the building materials, resulting in increased costs and repairs in the long run.

Flood Watch and Flood Warning: What’s the Difference?

Knowing the difference between a flood watch and flood warning is crucial towards preventing or limiting as much damage as possible during an emergency. The following explains the difference between flood watches and flood warnings:

Flood Watch: Preparing the Home

Move any important items on the first floor to the highest floor, such as to the attic or upstairs bedrooms.

Disconnect all appliances and electronics. Do not touch any of this equipment if there is standing water on the property.

If required, turn off the power and gas to the property to prevent electrical fires or explosions.

What to Do During a Flood Warning

When a flood warning is issued, be sure to take these steps, as it means a flood is already happening or will happen shortly:

Evacuate if instructed to do so.

Always be prepared to evacuate during a flood warning.

Never walk or drive through floodwaters. You never know what kind of contaminants may be floating around. Also know that even 6 inches of water is enough to knock anyone down.

Find a local emergency shelter.

Bring all companion animals, such as dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, etc. inside. Include all of their documentation with important records.

If you have livestock, move them to higher ground or inside a barn.

When the Flood Has Already Occurred

Only return home when the authorities say it is safe to do so.

If the roads are still flooded, do not drive or wade in standing water.

If the roads are not flooded, be careful of debris and erosion from the water.

Take pictures of all damage done to the property to provide to your insurance company.

When it comes to flooding, especially flash floods, nothing is more important that protecting the safety of everyone involved. That’s why these steps are crucial when taking the proper precautions during emergencies.

Emergency Water Extraction

Don’t hesitate to call a flood cleanup company after finding significant water damage to your property.

The second most important step is to address the damage to your property. Call your insurance company right away to inform them of what has happened. Then call an emergency flood damage restoration company.

ServiceMaster Quality Restoration provides more than just water damage cleanup; their technicians are available 24/7 to help homes and businesses recover from flood-related disasters, responding right away to address the damage. Whether the home or building needs complete reconstruction or dehumidification, their technicians will work efficiently and effectively to restore full peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to give them a call in the event of any property crisis.

Expert in emergency fire and water restoration services, fire cleanup and water damage cleanup, mold removal, as well as carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Contributor to several restoration and cleaning blogs.